Unless, you've been away in Antarctica for the past six months, you've more than likely heard about Kim Davis. She is the KY county clerk who refused to grant marriage licenses to homosexual couples in her county. Kim went to jail for this position, faced amazing public scrutiny, and is now back at work. We'll see what the future holds for Kim, but I want to bring up a few big points on this issue.
1) Kim Davis stood up for her beliefs.
Despite whether or not you agree with her, and I know there are many great Christians who fall on both sides of the argument, what can't be denied is that Kim Davis was willing to go jail for her beliefs. Her stance took courage. If faced with a similar situation when one of my Christian beliefs and convictions was under question would I have the same courage? I'd like to think so. You are more than free to draw your own opinions on her, but understand the woman is willing to stand up for her beliefs.
One important thing needs to be said and that is to make sure your beliefs line up with the word of God. Both sides on the Kim Davis' argument have legit reasoning say their side is right from the Bible. The hope is that Kim did not take her stance before spending much time in prayerful meditation before God, and we hope that her stance is not a media stunt.
2) There really are no winners here.
In the long run there is and has been little understanding and few if any signs of reconciliation towards people who differ on their opinions of gay marriage. If you support ideals and causes like Kim Davis you'll be more adamant about them and if you oppose them you'll be more likely to stop and oppose similar causes and people in the future. My encouragement is to seek friendship and fellowship with those who disagree with you on gay marriage and other issues. Dialogue, converse, engage, on these issues, but always do so in a spirit of love. Never stop breaking bread with people over a disagreement, because what you unites you in Christ is far greater than whatever separates you.
Learn from Kim Davis. Allow Kim Davis to challenge you to explore your own beliefs. Know that Kim Davis is a beloved child of God, but never let your opinions of Kim Davis or any other issues that are divisive in our country today cause you to break fellowship with a fellow brother or sister in Christ.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
on Proverbs 2
Proverbs is a wonderful book and a great reminder that wisdom is a great asset in our quest to further the Kingdom of God here on this earth as well as push back the forces of evil. Chapter one set the stage nicely with these closing words, "But, whoever listens to me will live in safety. . ." It is important to note in the original manuscript there were no verse and chapter notations, so whoever eventually broke it down began chapter two at a great point.
Chapter 2 is written nicely in a cause/effect mode. The writer most likely Solomon states that if the reader or listener most likely his children pursues wisdom and acts wisely these are the effects: understand the fear of the Lord, find knowledge of God, and understand what is right and just.
This is one of the shorter chapters in the book. But, the content is really, really good.
2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." What a great reminder to be wise, frugal, know your limitations, and understand the power of importance of learning how to say no. Surround yourself with good people, who will be honest with you and challenge you to grow in your faith. They will help bring about discretion and and understanding.
2:19, "None who go to her return or attain the paths of life." This verse talks about the adultress in v. 16, meaning temptation/sin/foolishness etc. it is fairly clear of the consequences of going after such fleeting pleasures. But, the good news is that through Jesus and his sacrifice on the Cross all the penalty for chasing after fleeting pleasures has been taken care of. Live knowing this, be at peace, and seek wisdom and truth all your days.
Chapter 2 is written nicely in a cause/effect mode. The writer most likely Solomon states that if the reader or listener most likely his children pursues wisdom and acts wisely these are the effects: understand the fear of the Lord, find knowledge of God, and understand what is right and just.
This is one of the shorter chapters in the book. But, the content is really, really good.
2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." What a great reminder to be wise, frugal, know your limitations, and understand the power of importance of learning how to say no. Surround yourself with good people, who will be honest with you and challenge you to grow in your faith. They will help bring about discretion and and understanding.
2:19, "None who go to her return or attain the paths of life." This verse talks about the adultress in v. 16, meaning temptation/sin/foolishness etc. it is fairly clear of the consequences of going after such fleeting pleasures. But, the good news is that through Jesus and his sacrifice on the Cross all the penalty for chasing after fleeting pleasures has been taken care of. Live knowing this, be at peace, and seek wisdom and truth all your days.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
on Romans 1
As youth group leaders it is so important for us to be immersed in the word of God and to allow ourselves to be changed by God's goodness. There is no perk other than a better understanding and deeper love for God's word, but I do strongly encourage you each week to dive into our lessons and study together. My hope is to blitz through all of Paul's letters, to answer questions, and to have his passion for spreading the gospel be an encouragement to you. Let's dive in to Romans 1.
Paul wrote this letter to some of the most persecuted Christians during his time. They were right under the nose of the Roman emperor and many lived fearing they would be arrested or killed on a daily basis. Paul's letter to them helped outline basic theological truths, answered many questions about being a Gentile (non-Jewish person) and a Christian, as well as offered guidance to live out their faith. Dive into the word, be changed by it, pray that the spirit would illumine truth in the word, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions of the word.
Let these verses challenge you:)
Romans 1:12- "That yours and my faith might mutually encourage each other," What an incredible idea! This is our goal for youth ministry in ten words. Our faith should be encouraging to teens and vice versa. If we live this out and pray this would be a reality in our youth ministry there is no telling all the amazing work God can and will do through us.
Romans 1:16-17- Needless, to say there is A LOT of great stuff here. First, is that we should not be afraid of the gospel. Since, it is the power of God for salvation and to change our lives and our world. Proclaim the gospel and let people know, Christianity was never meant to be a private aspect of your life. Second, is that the righteous will live by faith. Paul is referencing a quote from the prophet Habakkuk, and the truth is fairly clear you won't always know where God is leading you or how every situation will turn out, but be assured that God loves, is in control, and is good.
The close of the chapter is Paul warning the Roman Christians of the dangers of sexual sin and immorality. I'd be very interested to have a discussion here or on Facebook about that:).
Paul wrote this letter to some of the most persecuted Christians during his time. They were right under the nose of the Roman emperor and many lived fearing they would be arrested or killed on a daily basis. Paul's letter to them helped outline basic theological truths, answered many questions about being a Gentile (non-Jewish person) and a Christian, as well as offered guidance to live out their faith. Dive into the word, be changed by it, pray that the spirit would illumine truth in the word, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions of the word.
Let these verses challenge you:)
Romans 1:12- "That yours and my faith might mutually encourage each other," What an incredible idea! This is our goal for youth ministry in ten words. Our faith should be encouraging to teens and vice versa. If we live this out and pray this would be a reality in our youth ministry there is no telling all the amazing work God can and will do through us.
Romans 1:16-17- Needless, to say there is A LOT of great stuff here. First, is that we should not be afraid of the gospel. Since, it is the power of God for salvation and to change our lives and our world. Proclaim the gospel and let people know, Christianity was never meant to be a private aspect of your life. Second, is that the righteous will live by faith. Paul is referencing a quote from the prophet Habakkuk, and the truth is fairly clear you won't always know where God is leading you or how every situation will turn out, but be assured that God loves, is in control, and is good.
The close of the chapter is Paul warning the Roman Christians of the dangers of sexual sin and immorality. I'd be very interested to have a discussion here or on Facebook about that:).
Thursday, September 3, 2015
on Proverbs 1
My goal first and foremost is that you really fall in love with the word of God above all else. I pray that God's voice becomes the voice that you earnestly and genuinely desire throughout all areas of your life. This will be supplemental to normal youth group lessons and devotions:)
Proverbs 1 is a great way for Solomon to start out the book. Shortly after he prays for wisdom in 1 Kings 3 he is confronted with two women who state the baby is there (1 Kings 3:24). Solomon's wisdom is unmatched in his day and maybe in any day. But, as many of us know Solomon was not without faults. There is a big lesson to learn that all of us are human and temptation finds all of us.
I don't want to make these long but meaningful. Feel free to dialogue in the comment section. A few verses I want to highlight in chapter one are below definitely read the whole chapter because it's a good one.
1:7- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. . ." if this is the desire of your heart and you live life into this truth then you've arrived near the state that John Wesley would describe as Christian perfection. Learn how to listen for God, have moments of silence in your life, and understand that wisdom (knowledge applied) originates in God.
1:10- "If sinners entice you do not give into them. . ." The enticement is really, so I think the if is better understood as when. Verse yourself in the word and be very aware of what sin is and the effects it has all of which are very damaging. Also surround yourself with great people who have the courage to speak the truth to you in love.
1:32- "For the waywardness of the simple will kill them. . ." This verse I admit is fairly terrifying, but it's implications are fairly simple. It's time for those who follow God to grow up. I still have growing to do and so do you, and I think this verse really hits home and sets the stage for the rest of the book.
For every comment you make either here at Blogger or in the Facebook page we will take off 50 cents for next summer's trip.
Proverbs 1 is a great way for Solomon to start out the book. Shortly after he prays for wisdom in 1 Kings 3 he is confronted with two women who state the baby is there (1 Kings 3:24). Solomon's wisdom is unmatched in his day and maybe in any day. But, as many of us know Solomon was not without faults. There is a big lesson to learn that all of us are human and temptation finds all of us.
I don't want to make these long but meaningful. Feel free to dialogue in the comment section. A few verses I want to highlight in chapter one are below definitely read the whole chapter because it's a good one.
1:7- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. . ." if this is the desire of your heart and you live life into this truth then you've arrived near the state that John Wesley would describe as Christian perfection. Learn how to listen for God, have moments of silence in your life, and understand that wisdom (knowledge applied) originates in God.
1:10- "If sinners entice you do not give into them. . ." The enticement is really, so I think the if is better understood as when. Verse yourself in the word and be very aware of what sin is and the effects it has all of which are very damaging. Also surround yourself with great people who have the courage to speak the truth to you in love.
1:32- "For the waywardness of the simple will kill them. . ." This verse I admit is fairly terrifying, but it's implications are fairly simple. It's time for those who follow God to grow up. I still have growing to do and so do you, and I think this verse really hits home and sets the stage for the rest of the book.
For every comment you make either here at Blogger or in the Facebook page we will take off 50 cents for next summer's trip.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Thankfulness
Let's face it the church needs to be held to a higher standard. Period. While we as the body of Christ have been and are able to accomplish much by the power of the Holy Spirit in these days, there is so much more that needs to be accomplished. When the average person is asked to describe the church or even their church the words often used are frustrating, boring, irrelevant, and the list could go on and on.
But, if we're really called to be the light of the world shouldn't we expect more, live greater, risk more, and pray prayers that are larger in scope. Part of the issue is that Christians at all stages in maturity get called to live lives more closely aligned with Jesus all the time but many of them often don't know where to begin. The good news is there isn't one starting point but many for a person to choose from. My hope as this year is about 2/3 over is that the church would develop a serious attitude of thankfulness as we lead up to Thanksgiving.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul urges the church of Thessalonica to give thanks in all circumstances. Good or bad, times of wealth or times of want, and no matter what we as the church are called to give thanks. As a follower of Jesus Christ learn how to be thankful and grateful for your life, your circumstances, your family, and your possessions. Start with one a thing or area of your life a day and verbalize what your thankful for. Post it on Facebook. Text a friend. Bring it up at a coffee shop. But, let people know that you are thankful for many areas of your life. A thankful church is an effective church. A grumbling church is a dieing one. Let's strive to be effective in these days.
But, if we're really called to be the light of the world shouldn't we expect more, live greater, risk more, and pray prayers that are larger in scope. Part of the issue is that Christians at all stages in maturity get called to live lives more closely aligned with Jesus all the time but many of them often don't know where to begin. The good news is there isn't one starting point but many for a person to choose from. My hope as this year is about 2/3 over is that the church would develop a serious attitude of thankfulness as we lead up to Thanksgiving.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul urges the church of Thessalonica to give thanks in all circumstances. Good or bad, times of wealth or times of want, and no matter what we as the church are called to give thanks. As a follower of Jesus Christ learn how to be thankful and grateful for your life, your circumstances, your family, and your possessions. Start with one a thing or area of your life a day and verbalize what your thankful for. Post it on Facebook. Text a friend. Bring it up at a coffee shop. But, let people know that you are thankful for many areas of your life. A thankful church is an effective church. A grumbling church is a dieing one. Let's strive to be effective in these days.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
on the Amtrak crash
As I'm writing this post the dust is settling on the horrific Amtrak crash that sadly killed seven near Philadelphia last week. Lives being claimed by, families torn apart, and futures cut short all embodied the horrific accident on the Amtrak just last night. As we dive into these ideas and thoughts I want to make one thing extremely clear. Horrible, gruesome accidents wherever they and whatever they involve have one thing in common: all of them affect human beings in major ways. Let's dive into some ideas and thoughts about the horrific Amtrak crash.
1) The Amtrak crash shows us in real, profound ways that life isn't fair.
Fairness is often the yard stick that we use to measure a lot in our life. It starts when we're young, "No, Brian you cannot have a cookie before dinner." My response would often be, "That's not fair." My response was often subtly cloaked with the inference behind my tone, I want it! Whether it be a cookie, A on a test, raise at work, invitation to an important event, and the list can go on and on we often pull out our fair card when we don't receive the things we want. I do find it funny and this is just a thought for you to chew on, but we hardly ever claim, "That's not fair," when we receive something unexpected that we didn't deserve. As I'm writing this I can't recall one Christmas that I handed any of my presents to my parents or grandparents and said, "It's not fair that I got this beautiful new toy take it back."
In looking at the horrific situation that took place last night, the only conclusion that one can draw is that it is not fair why normal, ordinary people who boarded an Amtrak last week and now people are crowding churches and funeral homes to say good-bye. Answers aren't always forth coming in these tough situations. Maybe it was poor driving? Maybe it was a failure to execute in the construction of the track or vehicle? I don't know. But, one thing I do know is that few answers will bring peace. Life isn't fair in many ways, Jesus promised that he was going to prepare a place for us in his father's house (John 14:2), but we have no idea of knowing when we finally arrive at this beautiful mansion. Be thankful every minute that you're on this earth, but know your future is in God's hands alone.
2) Learn how to have a presence in life's uncomfortable moments.
Unexpected is one of the toughest moments people have to endure during their earthly journey. Heart attacks, car accidents, brain aneurysms, strokes, accidents at work, and so on all sadly claim people way too soon. Unbearable sadness almost always grips those who experience the loss, and for us who aren't family or extremely close friends to the deceased we can't fathom the pain they're in. Since we can't relate we often find it difficult to muster up the words to say, and for many of us that means we stay away. Because we don't offend or hurt the person(s) dealing with loss more than they already are hurt.
I will admit our intentions are often noble, but what people really need is someone that will listen to them, cry with them, and let them know they have a good friend in the midst of some very dark days. Learn how to be comfortable in the midst of situations that have few answers. But, most importantly learn how to point people to the God who has ALL the answers.
1) The Amtrak crash shows us in real, profound ways that life isn't fair.
Fairness is often the yard stick that we use to measure a lot in our life. It starts when we're young, "No, Brian you cannot have a cookie before dinner." My response would often be, "That's not fair." My response was often subtly cloaked with the inference behind my tone, I want it! Whether it be a cookie, A on a test, raise at work, invitation to an important event, and the list can go on and on we often pull out our fair card when we don't receive the things we want. I do find it funny and this is just a thought for you to chew on, but we hardly ever claim, "That's not fair," when we receive something unexpected that we didn't deserve. As I'm writing this I can't recall one Christmas that I handed any of my presents to my parents or grandparents and said, "It's not fair that I got this beautiful new toy take it back."
In looking at the horrific situation that took place last night, the only conclusion that one can draw is that it is not fair why normal, ordinary people who boarded an Amtrak last week and now people are crowding churches and funeral homes to say good-bye. Answers aren't always forth coming in these tough situations. Maybe it was poor driving? Maybe it was a failure to execute in the construction of the track or vehicle? I don't know. But, one thing I do know is that few answers will bring peace. Life isn't fair in many ways, Jesus promised that he was going to prepare a place for us in his father's house (John 14:2), but we have no idea of knowing when we finally arrive at this beautiful mansion. Be thankful every minute that you're on this earth, but know your future is in God's hands alone.
2) Learn how to have a presence in life's uncomfortable moments.
Unexpected is one of the toughest moments people have to endure during their earthly journey. Heart attacks, car accidents, brain aneurysms, strokes, accidents at work, and so on all sadly claim people way too soon. Unbearable sadness almost always grips those who experience the loss, and for us who aren't family or extremely close friends to the deceased we can't fathom the pain they're in. Since we can't relate we often find it difficult to muster up the words to say, and for many of us that means we stay away. Because we don't offend or hurt the person(s) dealing with loss more than they already are hurt.
I will admit our intentions are often noble, but what people really need is someone that will listen to them, cry with them, and let them know they have a good friend in the midst of some very dark days. Learn how to be comfortable in the midst of situations that have few answers. But, most importantly learn how to point people to the God who has ALL the answers.
Friday, May 8, 2015
on Poverty
As the chaos of the Baltimore riots settles down and as William and Kate and the rest of the world continue to gush over Baby Charlotte we are reminded once again that this world is not fair. Some are born into a life of servants and trust funds while others into poverty. Some young people are given every opportunity while others it seems are just victims of a never ending cycle of poverty. Here are a few thoughts on poverty as well as a challenge to give and give generously.
1) The poor matter a whole to Jesus.
As I write this I sincerely hope that this can be a renewed mindset for you going forward. My prayer is that your heart wouldn't become calloused but rather become broken by those who don't have enough. Jesus proclaimed in Luke 4:18 that he was anointed to proclaim Good News to the poor. In Luke 14:13 he encourages that those who are throwing a banquet to invite the poor and oppressed. In Luke 11:21 he reminds the disciples and his followers, "To be generous to the poor and all will be made clean for you." Jesus' kindness even inspired Zaccheus to give generously back to the poor!
In my opinion this is the heart of the gospel, lifting up those who are struggling. The struggles can range from physical, to emotional, to social, and for many people they are financial. Jesus' desire is that everyone would be a lifted up from their struggles, from their pain, and from not having enough. The craziest part of all is that he almost always uses human beings to do it. Christ's example inspired the early church to share everything and give to those who were in need (Acts 2:45). Peter and John were inspired to heal a blind beggar near the the temple gates (Acts 3:1-9). The list can go on and on, but one thing is clear if the poor mattered to Jesus they should matter to us as well, because Jesus did promise to us that he would be going away, but the poor would always be with us.
2) Learn to give generously.
We aren't going to to have a long post today, because poverty is a complex issue. I will be the first to admit, I don't understand nearly many of the facets about poverty. But, I do know that God is good, and one day God will make all things right.
Many of you reading this post might say, I don't have nearly enough money to pay all of my bills, my family has five mouths to feed, or we have extensive debt how can I/we give to help those who are poor? That is a great question, and I do want to assure you that in no way should you give to the point where your family suffers and has serious consequences. But, I do want you to ask yourselves do we as a family/individual need to visit Starbucks twice a week? Do we need four televisions in the house when we honestly can only really watch one at a time? Does every single person in our family need an Iphone? I think when we start to address poverty in our society by looking at our abundance and excess that clarifies things very clearly where our priorities.
The poor will always be here. They are in need of things other than money. This summer weed out clothes you don't wear anymore and donate to a local shelter. Clean out your storage garage with furniture that you haven't sat on for years and donate it to your local salvation army. Offer to become a part of a local tutoring group that helps underprivileged students raise test scores. The list can go on and on. The poor matter to Jesus greatly, and likewise they should matter to us as well.
1) The poor matter a whole to Jesus.
As I write this I sincerely hope that this can be a renewed mindset for you going forward. My prayer is that your heart wouldn't become calloused but rather become broken by those who don't have enough. Jesus proclaimed in Luke 4:18 that he was anointed to proclaim Good News to the poor. In Luke 14:13 he encourages that those who are throwing a banquet to invite the poor and oppressed. In Luke 11:21 he reminds the disciples and his followers, "To be generous to the poor and all will be made clean for you." Jesus' kindness even inspired Zaccheus to give generously back to the poor!
In my opinion this is the heart of the gospel, lifting up those who are struggling. The struggles can range from physical, to emotional, to social, and for many people they are financial. Jesus' desire is that everyone would be a lifted up from their struggles, from their pain, and from not having enough. The craziest part of all is that he almost always uses human beings to do it. Christ's example inspired the early church to share everything and give to those who were in need (Acts 2:45). Peter and John were inspired to heal a blind beggar near the the temple gates (Acts 3:1-9). The list can go on and on, but one thing is clear if the poor mattered to Jesus they should matter to us as well, because Jesus did promise to us that he would be going away, but the poor would always be with us.
2) Learn to give generously.
We aren't going to to have a long post today, because poverty is a complex issue. I will be the first to admit, I don't understand nearly many of the facets about poverty. But, I do know that God is good, and one day God will make all things right.
Many of you reading this post might say, I don't have nearly enough money to pay all of my bills, my family has five mouths to feed, or we have extensive debt how can I/we give to help those who are poor? That is a great question, and I do want to assure you that in no way should you give to the point where your family suffers and has serious consequences. But, I do want you to ask yourselves do we as a family/individual need to visit Starbucks twice a week? Do we need four televisions in the house when we honestly can only really watch one at a time? Does every single person in our family need an Iphone? I think when we start to address poverty in our society by looking at our abundance and excess that clarifies things very clearly where our priorities.
The poor will always be here. They are in need of things other than money. This summer weed out clothes you don't wear anymore and donate to a local shelter. Clean out your storage garage with furniture that you haven't sat on for years and donate it to your local salvation army. Offer to become a part of a local tutoring group that helps underprivileged students raise test scores. The list can go on and on. The poor matter to Jesus greatly, and likewise they should matter to us as well.
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